I Remember When…..An Alzheimer’s Journey

 I remember when….

Mother began to tell more stories about her past and sometimes even thought she was there.  I started writing these down before they became lost to our family.

Mother had an accident with her car and I wouldn’t get it repaired, even though she pleaded.

Mother began to wear strange clothing combinations but we called it “setting a new style.”

Mother looked at me when hubby and I were laughing at something she’d done and remarked, “We don’t laugh enough, do we?” then joined in.

Mother couldn’t understand why I moved her to our home 275 miles away but decided she and her cat would stay for a visit…which would last for 8 years.

Mother escaped from the nursing home, hiding her suitcase outside the door, then was caught as she scurried across the parking lot.  “I almost made it home,” she said, thinking she was going back to her girlhood home.

Mother smiled as her great grandchildren enjoyed a tea party with her.  “Nice children,” she remarked, unable to decide who they were but finding pleasure in their visit anyway.

Mother thanked Jim and me for taking her out to the fancy restaurant when we dined in the nursing home reception room at Thanksgiving.

Mother celebrated her 90th birthday with three generations around her…daughter, granddaughter, and great grandchildren.  She had no idea whose party it was, but said the cake tasted good.

Mother celebrated her last Christmas…I sat beside her bed reading Christmas cards to her.  Did she realize who I was and why I was there?  I don’t know, but she began humming to the carols playing on the radio.

I remember these and so much more…some memories are bittersweet and others are joyous, but all are part of our Alzheimer’s journey together that bonded three generations and gave us memories of love and caring.

(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen